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Potpourri hits the books for new year

Potpourri Book Club kicked off its new club year with a program by Dr. Warren Blakeman — a retired Methodist minister well-known and beloved locally for both his ministerial work and his informative talks on secular topics. Blakeman shared his experience and knowledge about seeking out rare books.

Blakeman shared examples of rare manuscripts and special books from his private collection. He explained that the value of books is two-fold — there is a monetary value, but there is, as he put it, “. . . gold in the precious memories that books trigger.” Among his treasures, Blakeman pointed to a relatively minor book that is priceless to him. Within its pages, he discovered a letter that gave the book’s provenance and gave him a link to his maternal great-grandmother.

The stunning River Oaks home of member Sue Nawas was the setting for this first gathering. Pumpkins and scarecrows at the home’s front door reminded guests that fall is officially here. Indoors, the home’s formal dining table was also transformed. A crystal vase held a cunning arrangement of natural plant materials and flowers all in shades of bright orange. Along the full-length runner, the hostesses placed a variety of gourds in hues of orange, tangerine, lime and yellow. As a finishing touch, crystal vases held iconic Halloween images that were anchored with black beans.

Joining Nawas as co-hostesses were Jane Hayden, Dianne Cage, and Mike Husted. Together, they offered delicacies including stuffed grape leaves, assorted cheeses with cocktail crackers, crudités with a variety of sauces, sugar-coated Mexican wedding cookies, savory olives with feta, assorted canapés, and petite chicken salad and grape tea sandwiches. On the dining room sideboard, three gorgeous cakes — a moist carrot cake, an aromatic spice cake, and a very interesting chocolate cake with a cheesecake “cap” as the top layer — that were as delicious as they were beautiful tempted everyone. Coffee and juice completed the afternoon treats.

Ricky Dale Hendricks parade grand marshal

The Grand Marshal for the 2015 Kiwanis Club of West Monroe Christmas Parade is local talent Ricky Dale Hendricks. Hendricks was the ArkLaMiss Idol winner last year and competed on American Idol Top 40 earlier this year. The parade theme is “Rock-N-Roll Christmas.”

The parade is scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 5.

If a group or organization would like to participate in the parade, contact Diana Russell by calling 318-410-5346 or send an email to WMChristmasparade@gmail.com.